EAST MISSISSIPPI — Atmos Energy will begin construction of 23 miles of natural gas pipelines next year to three industrial parks in East Mississippi.

The company and Central District Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey made the announcement yesterday in Meridian.

The three industrial sites that will receive the pipeline service are the Sonny Montgomery Industrial Park, the I-20/59 Industrial Park and the Kewanee Mega-Site.

The project is expected to be completed in three phases over six years without using any public funds.

David Gates, president of Atmos Energy’s operations in Mississippi, says that natural gas hasn’t always been popular, but its low prices and abundant supply make it very attractive for the type of industries this area is trying to attract.